TBC: Build Your Reputation First

A few months ago I had a fireside chat with a successful venture backed founder and friend of mine, Daniel Hatkoff.

I wanted to bring him on is because like myself, he has also gotten to wear both hats as a VC and founder, so he's got a ton of valuable information around raising venture capital.

During our chat there was this reoccurring theme of reputation, and how building his ultimately led to a successful $30M round for his company Pitzi.

In this episode, I go over the key takeaways from our conversation around building a great company and reputation. Tune in

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Depending on how long you've followed me or stayed in touch with what I'm up to, some of you might not know that I fly down to Brazil at least a few times a year.

One reason being I have a good friend who runs a company down there called Colbi.

I had no idea that he would connect with me the founder of an organization that I still partner with till this day called Latitud. If I had to sum up what Latitud is, I'd say it's now the YC of LATAM.

Since then, I've fallen in love with the startup ecosystem in Brazil that only seems to be speeding up.

In this episode, I talk about the different things I noticed around the startup/vc space during my last trip back in July.

If you're from LATAM or curious about the opportunity growing there, this episodes for you!

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As an entrepreneur, it is all too easy to lose yourself in your work. If you aren't careful, your entire life becomes consumed by it.

This is not to say you shouldn't be obsessed with the your company and the goals that you have for it.

But let it be a reminder that forcing yourself into burnout is not serving you or your company.

As a 3x founder himself, our host Jason Yeh dives into 3 things he does to maintain a sense of work/life balance.

If you are some who struggles to unplug from your work, give this episode a listen.

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What's the most important part of pitching your company to VCs?

Some think it's sharing the right numbers and statistics.

Others think it's about giving the investors a wealth of information about the company.

And then there's those who believe storytelling to be the key.

To be clear, I think all of these are important aspects of a pitch.

But theres something missing - emotion.

If you tell a story but have no emotional connection to it, it's just a story.

If you overload investors with information and numbers but they have nothing to connect it back to, it's just clutter.

In this episode I talk about the importance of connecting all aspects o your pitch through emotion.

If you can get an investor to feel the relief your product or service gives to it's customers AND then back it up with proof, chances are you've got a deal.

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Ever since chatGPT was released in November of 2022, there has been a flood of other AI platforms pulling from OpenAI's original technology.

That being said I was so curious to know what that means for venture capital firms funding these new AI companies, when it seemed like all the hard work was being done by OpenAI.

Why were investors pouring money into these AI startups that didn't seem to have defensible technology?

I wanted to hear from experts in the industry who could give me answers - so I made it happen.

A couple of months ago I hosted a fireside chat with Yohei Nakajima, GP of Untapped Capital and founder of BabyAGI and Sarah Catanzaro, GP at Amplify Partners.

They were able to answer all of my questions and more. In this episode, I sum up their answers and key takeaways for you to hear.

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The art of introductions is something heavily ignored when founders are learning how to start their fundraising process.

Truth is, intros are the lifeblood of a great fundraise.

There are many different components that go into making introductions, but today we'll be focusing specifically on forwardable emails.

While meant to simplify, intros often backfire - especially if you lack a process behind it. This episode will give you all of the basics surrounding forwardable emails like sequences of interactions, double opt-ins, connecting emails, and more.

Head to our website to find some real examples of what a forwardable email should look like: adamantventures.com

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Side letters are not only more complicated than they seem but dangerous to your fundraise if not properly managed.

Side letters, often accompanying standard agreements like safes, may seem harmless at first but can include onerous clauses like pro-rata rights.

In this episode Jason emphasizes the importance of early negotiation and proactive communication to safeguard founder interests.

Tune in to protect yourself from this common challenge in the fundraising world.

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Project management - an often overlooked and unsexy aspect of fundraising.

Contrary to the dramatic portrayals in movies, fundraising is essentially a series of repetitive and detailed tasks. While not brain surgery, these small actions demand attention and diligence.

While it might seem like project management is 'taking away' from more glamorous business pursuits it's actually the underpinnings that form the foundation for success.

Success in fundraising lies in effectively managing oneself and others throughout the process.

In this episode Jason discusses the importance of creating processes that set you up for success. If you tend to avoid project management, this ones for you.

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One of the most common dilemmas faced by founders in the fundraising world is the chicken and egg dynamic.

Much like the age-old question, founders often grapple with the challenge of needing investor interest to gain confidence and at the same time, requiring confidence to attract investor interest.

Truth is in order for an investor to be confident in you, you first have to be confident in yourself.

In this episode, Jason will be exploring how to implement a process in order to break free from this cycle of uncertainty and instead - create confidence from within.

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We’re back on post-money cap SAFEs talk!In the previous episode, we explained what it is and how it works within the fundraising process.

For this episode, Jason goes deeper as he illuminates a more specific topic: the anti-dilution provision within post-money cap SAFEs.

With the evolution of the fundraising and startup worlds, many things have changed, and the rounds raised by founders are tremendously affected.

This affects everyone in the process - both founders and investors.

Tune in with us as we examine the entirety of this process and how it affects your fundraising!

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Founders are often intimidated by some of the more complex fundraising concepts.

One of these is the concept of post-money cap SAFE.

Post-money cap SAFEs can get tricky for some founders, especially for first-timers.

In this episode, Jason dives a little deep into the dynamics of this concept, along with SAFEs in general, valuations, and how it all relates to the post-money cap SAFE.

Get your pens and prepare for this episode as we talk about specific examples and scenarios, concepts involved, and steps to take so you can better navigate your fundraising journey.

Oh, and this is only part 1. Make sure to tune in next week for the 2nd part on this topic!

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We all have stories we like to keep to ourselves for many reasons.

It’s uncomfortable to tell these stories because they may be a sign of weakness, a reminder of a terrible mistake, or that nobody would understand.

This is why many founders tend to adopt the “fake it til they make it” attitude.

This won’t work forever, though.

In this episode, Jason tells a couple of stories where a founder’s vulnerability was precisely what they needed to get their investors to understand them fully.

Tune in as we talk about what really goes into an investor’s mind when they hear about your problems, struggles, and mistakes.

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Entering the fundraising world is one heck of a journey - a big rollercoaster ride, to be exact.

You'll face endless ups and downs, and there will be times when you don’t know what to think or feel anymore.

In this episode, Jason dives into the rollercoaster that founders experience throughout their rounds.

Hear about the everyday things founders encounter when raising money, how they should deal with the never-ending change of emotions, and how you can stay above things.

If you need a push for confidence and validation right now, then this episode is for you. Tune in!

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Building decks is one of the most significant steps of preparing to fundraise.

Knowing what to include and how to deliver it is key to a successful deck.

Over time, people have used various tools to help them build their decks - but for Jason nothing beats this simple trick: note cards.

In this episode, Jason Yeh talks about how note cards aid in the complicated deck-building process and how founders can take advantage of this tool.

Find out how note cards can greatly improve your deck and how your concepts can come together through their use. Stay tuned!

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Talking to investors can be gut-wrenching for founders, especially for first-timers.

The anxiety of going up to someone, asking for money, and promising returns can shake founders up and cause them to lose focus.

But it’s all about mindset.

Are you chasing, or are you the one being chased?

In this episode, Jason Yeh explains why embracing the concept of being chased is vital for founders when approaching investors.

Join us as we uncover the truth behind the chase mentality in fundraising and how you can communicate with your investors more effectively.

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Founders heavily live in "grind culture" - working long hours and setting aside various personal parts of their lives to achieve their career goals.

However, as we near the end of another year, it's important to remember that we all need a break.

Take this holiday season as an opportunity to reset your mind and make your journey exciting again.

In this episode, Jason Yeh talks us through the importance of getting rest in the midst of working hard for your company.

He shares some stories about how taking breaks from pitch decks and fundraising actually helps you more than you think.So get cozy, clear your mind, and tune in with us as we end this year well-rested.

May your holidays be warm and joyous. Cheers!

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We all have to start from somewhere small, and venture capitalists are not an exception.

They aren't magically "experts" in the field and know every twist and turn - VCs undergo training like the rest of us.

In today's episode, Jason Yeh talks about what processes VCs go through to be considered experienced VCs who are looked up to in the industry.

He covers what such training means to founders who brave the battlegrounds of raising money and responding to feedback.

Tune in and discover the importance of knowing the different experiences VCs go through that molds them and their standards in deciding where to put their money.

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Did anybody say appetizers? We’re all in 🤤!

Appetizers are underrated and frequently overlooked, but they are no less important than the main course, don’t you think?

They get people excited and look forward to the next dish.

Appetizers are an excellent primer for what’s yet to come - the main course.

In today’s episode, Jason Yeh talks about the appetizer in fundraising: pitch decks.

Join us as Jason talks about overcoming the feeling of unworthiness when pitching, improving your decks, and attracting the best investors in your deal.

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Being a great entrepreneur is a commitment to continuous growth, learning, and experience.

There isn’t only one profile of a great entrepreneur - it can be anyone and anywhere.

One that might hold back success? Lack of resources.

In today’s episode, Jason Yeh talks us through the impact of having support structures and a solid network in one’s fundraising journey - and the absence of them as well.

We all have that potential or spark in us. But the harsh reality is that not everyone gets to turn that spark into a burning fire.

So what do we do then? Tune in as Jason discusses this challenge in the world of entrepreneurship.

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The key to creating a remarkable network and achieving a successful fundraise? Credibility.

In this episode, Jason Yeh talks about credibility - how important and fragile it is when you are a founder looking for your investors.

With everything uncertain in the startup and fundraising world, credibility is one of the few things investors predictably rely on.

Tune in with this episode and find out stories about credibility, its importance, and how you can safeguard it!

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Getting constructive feedback from experienced investors has always been part of any founder’s journey.

When it comes to feedback, it’s vital that you accept this truth: your business is not for everyone, and that’s okay.

Some will like it, some might take time to see your vision, and some will immediately reject it.

In this episode, Jason Yeh talks about one of the most famous painful pieces of feedback that investors give founders: “This isn’t venture-backable.”

That feedback isn’t the end of the fundraising journey though. There are things to consider and actions to take before really deciding whether or not your business is venture-backable.

Don’t miss this episode and find out the truth behind that statement, how you should take it, and what actions you should follow up with.

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Now that the world is slowly emerging from the pandemic that transformed our lives over the past two years, it’s about time that things go back to normal.

Catching up in person, talking over coffee, meeting for dinner - it’s been a while, and a trip to Brazil for a live workshop reminded Jason why face-to-face is so important.

In this episode, Jason talks about the power of holding in-person meetings.

Despite the convenience that zoom meetings offer founders and investors, nothing beats the experience of sitting across the table from the person you’re talking to.

What can in-person meetings specifically bring to the table that long hours over zoom could never?

Tune in to this episode as Jason discusses his observations around the difference between online and in-person meetings.

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Prioritizing tasks during fundraising preparation is one of the essential things a founder must stay on top of.

A common struggle with this is starting to work on important fundraising tasks that don’t feel urgent.

In today’s episode, Jason talks about the Eisenhower matrix - a matrix that explains the different tasks you encounter, the struggle of prioritizing those tasks, and how you can deal with it all.

Discover the “danger zone” in the Eisenhower Matrix of fundraising preparation and what you can do to avoid it.

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Ever wonder what’s the first thing that comes to mind for investors when they see your deal?

Aside from curiosity, anxiety creeps up on them, too.

One of the biggest anxieties that cross investors' minds? “Why am I seeing this deal?”

Two things they’re considering - are they seeing your deal because it came from a good source… or are they seeing your deal because it was rejected by other investors.

In today’s episode, Jason gives us a peek inside the mind of investors - and how fundraisers could better understand this element of investor psychology.

Tune in and learn more about this investor anxiety and how you can leverage it in the best way possible!

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Thesis-driven firms have been on the rise for the past few years.

These firms have a specific area of focus - one they use as a main driver for their marketing.

Because of this, some founders have a hard time in finding the “right” firm they’d want to invest in their business.

But did you know there's a dirty little secret behind these theses?In today’s episode, Jason reveals a secret behind thesis-driven firms - and what you can do with that information.

Find out this secret and get some actionable advice for your fundraising now!

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As founders, it’s normal to want to show investors that you are worth it - that you are an expert in your field and that your company means something.

This is the main reason why a lot of founders make the mistake of overcomplicating their pitch. You try to show the value of your company without realizing that there’s unnecessary complexity attached to it.

In today’s episode, Jason talks about why you should not be doing this.Find out what “pitch the circle” means, and how this relates to the way you deliver your pitch.

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Introductions hold incredible power in the world of fundraising.

Pulling a good network together and getting to know new people takes effort and time. But you know what? It’s a hundred percent worth it.

You’ll find out why in this episode, where Jason breaks down the importance of introductions - both cold and warm, and how it basically forms the backbone of early-stage fundraising.

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Rejections. Passes. Declined proposals.

These things are inevitable in any fundraising story – so as early as possible, it’s best to prepare yourself for what’s to come.

Because no matter how hard you prepare and how much effort you exert, there will still be people looking at you with doubt and criticism.

In this episode, Jason tells the story of one of the most famous ‘pass’ stories ever, and how it affected the founder’s game plan in continuing forward with his journey.

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Everybody has their own timeline. Some succeed early on their journey, while others go on for so long that they feel that success is too far away.

But the thing in entrepreneurship is - you never know what to expect. Things might go your way at a very, very unexpected time.

In this episode, Jason shares one of the craziest, fastest fundraising rounds that happened right before his eyes - getting a signed term sheet within just 8 days.In this episode, Jason tells the story of one of the most famous ‘pass’ stories ever, and how it affected the founder’s game plan in continuing forward with his journey.

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Mastering your company’s narrative is one of the most vital things that you should have when starting any business. It’s what sets you apart from all the other competitors that are trying to solve the same problem as you do.

In the world of entrepreneurship, having strategies about what and how you tell your story is necessary so you can be sure that you will really reach your target audience in the best way possible.

In this episode, Jason talks about exactly that - what are these strategies, why do you need them, and how you are going to create them yourself.

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With all the social media platforms at our fingertips, everyone can stay updated about any and everything.

People consume content on social media on a daily basis - and as we know, individuals nowadays are heavily influenced by what they see online.

And as founders/fundraisers, you should definitely take advantage of this.

In this episode, Jason talks about why you should post and share your wins on social media, how it benefits you, and how even small actions can create a huge impact in your fundraising journey.

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Ever heard of a good drug?

And no, what I’m talking about is probably not what you’re thinking… it’s the fear of missing out.

In the eyes of founders and fundraisers, FOMO is a feeling you want potential investors to sense deeply.

Curious? Tune in to this episode and hear more about the benefits of using FOMO as a strategy in getting them on board with your company.

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No matter how much you prepare for something, there always comes a time when you stumble and fall.

Truly, mistakes are inevitable in any circumstance in our lives, but that doesn't mean we can avoid some of them through learning from other people’s experiences, right?

In this episode, Jason goes into detail about one of the biggest mistakes that founders make in the process of searching for investors, and how you can avoid them.

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Red flags are warnings that there’s possible danger ahead - so when you see one, it’s best to turn around and change your direction.

In fundraising, there are many red flags that investors look out for. We’ve already mentioned one of them in our past episodes: a company that is a solution looking for a problem.

In this episode, Jason elaborates on a specific red flag he commonly sees in startups, and how you can avoid falling into that trap.

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When should you start taking meetings with investors?

If you think you should wait until you’ve already started raising money to reach out, then you’ve got it quite wrong.

Ever heard of warm-up meetings? If not, then you’re in for a treat!

In this episode, Jason talks about the importance of getting introduced and talking to investors way before the start of your fundraising journey - and how your approach should look like.

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Adjusting to whichever investor you’re talking to is necessary to get the most out of any conversation. Understanding where they are coming from will help you know exactly what approach to use.

In the fundraising world, we all know that every single person is unique - people all have different mindsets, motivations, and end goals, all of which affect their decision-making process.

In this episode, Jason expands on the connection between selling and fundraising. Knowing what type of investor you’re talking to—and tailoring your approach accordingly—can help you succeed in your fundraising journey.

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Selling. Fundraising. Selling. Fundraising.

Are they related? What’s the connection? Is the knowledge of one a requirement for the other?

In today’s episode, Jason expounds on these two concepts, and how their dynamics work together in the world of fundraising. Look out for some helpful tips that you can apply to your own fundraising process.

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Have you ever wondered how essential it is to put in a lot of energy and effort into a process?

We sometimes focus so much on our end goal that we tend to forget that the preparation required is equally as important, and sometimes even the highlight of the entire ride.

In this episode, let’s take a quick look at how important it is to focus on the entire process itself of fundraising, which, when done well, can be transformational for you as an entrepreneur.

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When you’re at the point of scheduling meetings with investors, that’s when you’re most likely to feel overwhelmed.

Should you categorize your investors? Who should you talk to first? What if you mess up? How do you know you are doing the right thing?

All these questions swamp your mind and all of a sudden, you now have tons of meetings to prepare for.

But worry not! In this episode, Jason lays out a critical tip that every fundraiser should know by heart, especially new ones, when it comes to investor meetings.

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There’s always a gray area when it comes to setting the valuation for a business during the fundraising process.

The big question is always… WHO?

Is it the fundraiser, the investor, or is it agreed between the two? What’s the basis? How is it determined?

In this episode, Jason shares his take on who should set the valuations and explains why he thinks that way.

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Mastering language has got to be one of the most important psychological tools anyone can utilize and benefit from - including and especially for fundraisers.

Speaking and understanding the same language of people you work with can work wonders when it comes to making connections and raising funds.

In this episode, Jason talks about the critical importance of learning your investors’ language and how vital it is for your process, especially if you want to win at the game of fundraising.

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One of the most vital processes before facing investors is building the perfect pitch deck.

There is a tough balance to find with decks.  You don’t want to be too short and  lack the information an investor needs to get excited. You also don’t want to be too long and overwhelm the reader with data.  

In this episode, Jason talks about pitch decks - particularly, his favorite part of it, appendices - and why it’s an important part of your pitch deck.

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Are you a problem looking for a solution, or a solution looking for a problem?

Pondering this is vital for entrepreneurs, especially for first timers who are just establishing the core of their business. While it’s easy to get lost in the world of entrepreneurship, it’s also worth it to spend time thinking about the real “why” of whatever you’re working on.

In this episode, Jason talks about the difference between these two - a science project and a business.

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